Your April survival guide

20+ things to do this month

April 02, 2012

With the call of “Play ball!” spring rushes into Chicago. Not a baseball fan? Don’t worry, we’ve got more than 20 ways to get busy this month, from chowing down on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day to digging for new vinyl records, hanging out with actress Lizzy Caplan and more.

3: 30th Anniversary specialsPops for Champagne, 601 N. State St.Stop by this River North bubbly bar throughout the month for a $9 glass of Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV. It’s not on the menu, so be sure to ask! Limit one per guest.

5 and 6: Baseball is back!Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular FieldThe Cubs and White Sox are back at it, with both teams in town for their home openers the first weekend of the month. The Cubs will play the Washington Nationals on Thursday, with the White Sox taking on the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

8: Adult Easter Egg HuntLongman & Eagle, 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.Grab a partner and head to this Logan Square restaurant for a hunt to find eggs at 10 sites around the ‘hood. Return with all your eggs first and win a gift basket. RSVP to elana@longmanandeagle.com. 1 p.m.; $3 per team.

12-15: Chicago International Movies & Music FestivalVarious locationsPlan to hit up an event at this fourth annual fest, which features film screenings (including the Chicago premiere of “Queens of Country” starring Lizzy Caplan), concerts and more at venues including The Hideout, Rodan, Debonair and more. Head to CIMMfest.org for details. $7-$15 per event.

14: Passover takeoutFeast, 25 E. Delaware PlaceCelebrating Passover, but don’t have time to cook? Place an order with this Gold Coast spot, or stop in for a prix-fixe menu of gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, red wine brisket and more, served family style from April 6-14. $45 per person. Reservations recommended.

20: Opening nightSouthport & Irving, 4002 N. Southport Ave.Be among the first to stop by this wine-centric bistro, set to open April 20. Look for a menu of dishes such as honey-brined pork chops, meatloaf, PEI mussels, burgers and more.

25: Diggin’ DustiesMaria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar, 960 W. 31st St.Long live vinyl. Dusty Groove America brings its newest stock of records to Maria’s in Bridgeport so you can listen to them spin the latest 8 p.m.-2 p.m.

More ways to survive:5: “The March” opens at Steppenwolf5: Rockit Burger Bar opens in Wrigleyville11: Bargain Wave: $1 Beers at Beauty Bar13-15: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place14: fun. at The Vic14: Windy City Social Club at Empty Bottle14: Baconfest at UIC Forum16: Death Cab for Cutie at Chicago Theatre19: Daniel Tosh at Chicago Theatre19: Tanlines at Empty Bottle20: Cults at Metro26: The Knux at Mayne Stage27: JD McPhearson at Lincoln Hall27: Electric Guest at Schubas